With natural and architectural beauty everywhere you turn in Spain and a buzzing social atmosphere that is found throughout the country, you’ll have so many things you want to do, it’ll be difficult to choose just a handful. To help outline the things you could try in Spain, here is our list of the 6 things you can only do in Spain that will enrich your holiday and allow you to connect with the culture and lifestyle of the Spanish.
Eat free tapas
You heard right: free. In many parts of Spain, including Grenada, when you purchase a drink, you get a free tapas to go with it. Going for tapas is an essential part of life in Spain and it isn’t really about what you eat, but how. Instead of sitting in one bar with drinks and a large meal, you enjoy a drink and a small plate of food in one place and then continue on to the next bar to continue the experience and your night.
See a bullfight
A quintessential part of Spanish life, bullfighting has long been a part of this country’s history. While the overall popularity of bullfighting has decreased recently, and while bullfighting may not be for everyone, this deeply ingrained cultural event is important in most cities and many actively hold bullfighting events. Seville and Madrid are both cities that have a large following for bullfighting and may be your best bets for a fully immersed experience.
Take in the Sagrada Família
A must-see on every bucket list, it’s hard to explain the impact this church has on Barcelona, its home. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions, and the architect Antoni Gaudi worked on this behemoth of a project for 40 years until he passed away in 1926. The construction began way back in 1882 and continues to this day making it a project that continually changes and evolves with time, just like the city that surrounds it.
Relive history in Alhambra
Stroll through the ancient city and marvel at the architectural mastery and beauty that is everywhere in Alhambra. This Moorish fortress protected the city’s inhabitants from invasion for hundreds of years and since then the place has been remarkably well-preserved. Gardens more beautiful than you can imagine also live within the walls. Go on a tour and see these gardens in full bloom.
See a flamenco show
Flamenco is as alive today as it ever has been and it’s a part of the culture that is inescapable in Spain. It is a traditional form of folk music that can be heard in the middle of a seedy dive bar or blaring from a car radio of a kid’s sports car cruising down the road. The performers wear colourful and exciting dresses while the men are costumed in traditional garb. Real Flamenco hardly ever features the dancing element but instead focusing on the storytelling aspect of the tradition.
Party in Ibiza
Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and it is located just off the coast of Spain. Ibiza is a long one of the most popular party destinations in all of Europe, and the wealthy and well-known can often be spotted relaxing and partying on Ibiza’s shores. During summer, the island’s population doubles and tourists from all over the world flock to Ibiza to enjoy the beaches, bars and thriving nightlife.
To limit a holiday in Spain to just 6 experiences is very difficult and it goes without saying that there are hundreds of additional experiences that can be had when visiting Spain. Regardless of where you decide to visit and what you decide to try, there is one thing you will need for your holiday. Consider buying travel insurance cover from Cover-More to protect your Spanish holiday against unforeseen problems.
Image courtesy of Flickr user Stephen Depolo